CSBS Sets Strategic Goals for Coming Year

Washington, D.C.— Recognizing the challenges posed to the system of state financial supervision by the existing regulatory and economic environment, the Board of Directors of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) has established three strategic goals for the coming year.

“The strategic goals approved by the CSBS Board earlier this month highlight those policy objectives most critical to preserving a diverse and vibrant financial services system and effective supervision,” said William S. Haraf, Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Institutions and Chairman-Elect of CSBS. “The goals will guide staff and ensure that CSBS is pursuing its objectives effectively.”

Community and Regional BankingThe economy and the banking system in the United States remain under duress. CSBS believes a cost of the financial crisis cannot be the loss of the nation's community banking system. Community banks and the dual-banking system are critical to preserving local, state, and regional economies and spurring job creation. Therefore, CSBS will work to maintain its central role in both encouraging and maintaining a diverse and competitive banking system and an effective state system of bank supervision and regulation.

Non-bank SupervisionCSBS will leverage upon the existing Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) to support a robust licensing and oversight program for state-licensed non-depository financial services providers. CSBS will work collaboratively with non-depository regulatory associations and with federal agencies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to create a seamless, efficient, and comprehensive network of non-bank supervision.

Examiner TrainingThe financial crisis created an economic and regulatory environment that is challenging not only for the industry, but also for supervisors. CSBS is committing significant resources and utilizing innovative technology to provide premium training and education for state regulators. This investment will ensure state examiners are receiving state of the art education and training, in order to sustain a first-rate state supervisory structure.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that CSBS be a robust advocate for the state financial system,” said John W. Ryan, President and CEO of CSBS. “The clear strategic priorities established by the CSBS Board of Directors will ensure CSBS remains a recognized leader in advancing the quality and effectiveness of regulation and supervision of state banking and financial services.”

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) is the nationwide organization of banking regulators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. State banking regulators supervise approximately 5,500 state‐chartered financial institutions. Further, the majority of state banking departments also regulates a variety of non-bank financial services providers, including mortgage lenders. For more than a century, CSBS has given state supervisors a national forum to coordinate supervision of their regulated entities and to develop regulatory policy. CSBS also provides training to state banking and financial regulators and represents its members before Congress and the federal financial regulatory agencies.